Vladimir Putin was left humiliated and appeared visibly rattled after being left on mute for more than 30 seconds while trying to kick off a major speech to world leaders. Russia's president realised his mic wasn't working as it should at the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat.

Following applause, Putin, 73, tried several times to start his speech but realised no-one could hear him.

He was distinctly unamused - looking round helplessly for assistance to end his muting.

A total of 16 heads of state and government - including leaders from NATO states - watched as Putin struggled in vain to be heard.

Finally, a flunky approached Putin and showed him how to flick a switch to turn on his microphone.

“Thank you,” he said curtly before starting his

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